ED636 - Fall 2006

Reflection on what I learned in this class

I have to admit that I'm taking this technology class for the challenge and it happens to be quite a challenge. After the presentation on the Assure Model, the WebQuest and Livetext instruction I read a lot on education and technology.The next step for me is to use what I learned in my classroom regularly.

Technology for learning

Depending on the field the term technology has different meaning.In the school system technology of learning includes the theory and practice of design, development,utilization, management and evaluation of process and resources for learning.
The role of media in instruction: with the introduction of media in the school sytem people were afraid to see the teachers disappear slowly from the classrooms.It appears that teachers are more than never needed in classrooms to design, organize,direct, supervise the lessons even though the education system is moving from the instructor-directed instruction to the student-cetered instruction .In the student-centered instruction the student does more than listen and take note. The student nowadays has more parts, more responsabilities in his or her education.
Technologies and media play an important role in distance education and special education because they allow the student to be independant, to learn at his own pace without the physical presence of an instructor.
Some observers made the remark that technologies in learning dehumanize the teaching/learning process.I believe that the teacher is still the backbone of the school system. The technologies and media support , reduce the work of the teacher allowing him or her to take care of other aspects of the learning process.
Technology per say is not an alienating product. it's the inadequate use of it tht make harmful.